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3,504 ft · Cairngorms, Scotland

Glas Maol

Glas Maol is a 3,504 ft peak in the Cairngorms, Scotland. The standard route is the Meall Odhar Route: 4 mi, 1,570 ft of gain, Class 1.

Glas Maol in the Cairngorms, Scotland

Glas Maol at a glance

  • Elevation3,504 ft1,068 m
  • RouteMeall Odhar RouteClass 1
  • Distance4 mi1,570 ft gain
  • Time3 – 5 hrsEasy effort
  • SeasonMay – Sep
  • RangeCairngormsScotland

Climbing the Meall Odhar Route

From Braemar or Blairgowrie, take the A93 to the high point of the Cairnwell Pass. Start from the Glenshee Ski Centre car park, cross the bridge and climb the path east over the ski slopes to Meall Odhar, then continue southeast across a col onto the grassy dome to the cairn and trig pillar. Class 1 on path and short turf. The broad plateau is fully exposed to wind and becomes featureless in cloud, so compass skills matter. Usually combined with Creag Leacach, Cairn of Claise and Carn an Tuirc on a plateau round from the pass.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (25–35 L)
  • Hiking Boots
  • Water
  • Offline Maps
  • Headlamp
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Whistle
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun Hat
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Buff
  • Midweight Gloves
  • Trekking Poles
  • GPS Device
  • Power Bank
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Emergency Bivy

What to watch for

  • High winds
  • Low visibility

Quests with Glas Maol

Peaks near Glas Maol

  1. Creag Leacach

    Creag Leacach

    3,242 ft · 1.5 mi away

  2. Cairn of Claise

    Cairn of Claise

    3,491 ft · 1.8 mi away

  3. The Cairnwell

    The Cairnwell

    3,061 ft · 2.0 mi away

  4. Càrn an Tuirc

    Càrn an Tuirc

    3,343 ft · 2.5 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Glas Maol?

Glas Maol is 3,504 feet (1,068 m) tall. It is in the Cairngorms, Scotland.

How does Glas Maol rank among the Munros?

At 3,504 feet, Glas Maol is the 70th highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.

How hard is it to hike Glas Maol?

The Meall Odhar Route is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort easy: 4 miles with 1,570 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Glas Maol?

Most people take 3 – 5 hours round trip on the Meall Odhar Route, covering 4 miles with 1,570 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Glas Maol?

Usually, if you are fit. The Meall Odhar Route is a common first summit for hikers ready for 3 – 5 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.

When is the best time to hike Glas Maol?

The usual hiking window is May to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Glas Maol with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list